National University of Singapore scholarships for international students

Scholarship Overview

The National University of Singapore (NUS) provides various financial support packages for outstanding international students enrolling in undergraduate, master’s by research, and PhD programmes. These awards range from the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship to research-specific funding like the NUS Research Scholarship and the President’s Graduate Fellowship.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply. NUS accepts international applicants from all countries, including Pakistan, provided they meet the academic and admission requirements for their chosen programme.

Funding and Benefits

• NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers subsidised tuition, S$5,800 annual living allowance, S$1,750 computer allowance, and S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance.
• Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers subsidised tuition, S$6,000 annual living allowance, S$1,750 computer allowance, S$200 settling-in allowance, accommodation allowance, and travel support.
• NUS Research Scholarship: Provides a full tuition fee waiver and monthly stipends: S$2,900 for master’s, S$3,000 for PhD (pre-qualifying exam), and up to S$3,500 (post-qualifying exam).
• President’s Graduate Fellowship: Offers S$3,900 per month, full tuition waiver, S$1,000 settling-in allowance, and up to S$750 for incoming airfare.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must first secure admission to a full-time programme at NUS. Undergraduate candidates need excellent high-school results and leadership potential. Research candidates require an undergraduate degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent. Specific requirements vary by department.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare academic transcripts, high-school or university certificates, a statement of purpose, an academic CV, and relevant English-language proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). Research applicants will also need research proposals and recommendation letters.

Application Timeline

Deadlines are programme-specific. Undergraduate applications generally run from December to February. Research applicants must follow their specific faculty deadlines, which can range from May to August for upcoming intakes.

Selection Process

Selection is merit-based. Undergraduate scholars are shortlisted from the admission pool for interviews. Graduate research candidates are assessed on academic excellence, research potential, and supervision availability. The President’s Graduate Fellowship is awarded strictly via faculty nomination.

How to Apply

1. Search for your desired programme on the NUS portal.
2. Submit an admission application through the NUS Undergraduate or Graduate Admission System.
3. Ensure your application includes all required supporting documents.
4. For research degrees, identify a potential supervisor before applying.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani students should ensure all educational documents are properly verified. Since English is the medium of instruction in many Pakistani universities, check if you qualify for an IELTS/TOEFL waiver based on your previous institution's policy.

Important Terms and Limitations

• Tuition Grant Bond: Undergraduate recipients must accept the MOE Tuition Grant, which requires working for a Singapore-registered company for 3 to 6 years post-graduation.
• Employment: Graduate research recipients must participate in the Graduate Assistantship Programme and generally cannot hold outside employment.
• Renewal: Scholarships are renewed semesterly subject to maintaining a minimum GPA (typically 3.5) and good academic standing.